Does Medicare Part C pay for long-term care?

Asked by: Abraham Mertz  |  Last update: December 12, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (25 votes)

Medicare does not cover the cost for long-term assisted living facilities. But some Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, pay for several related services. More than 22 million Americans are already enrolled in Medicare Advantage and there are now more than 3,100 plans available nationwide.

Does Medicare Part C cover long-term care?

Long-term care

Long-term supports and services can be provided at home, in the community, in assisted living, or in nursing homes. Individuals may need long-term supports and services at any age. Medicare and most health insurance plans don't pay for long-term care.

What will Medicare Part C pay for?

Medicare Part C provides more coverage for everyday healthcare including prescription drug coverage with some plans when combined with Part D. A Medicare Advantage prescription drug (MAPD) plan is when a Part C and Part D plan are combined. Medicare Part D only covers prescription drugs.

Does Medicare Part C cover home care?

Most Medicare Part C plans do cover non-skilled in-home care, including medication management, personal assistance with bathing and grooming, mobility assistance and help with catheters or colostomy bags.

Does a Medicare supplement plan cover long-term care?

Medicare and most other health insurance, including Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), don't pay for non-medical long-term care. You might qualify for long-term care through Medicaid, or you can choose to buy private long-term care insurance.

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31 related questions found

How many days will Medicare pay 100% of the covered costs of care in a skilled nursing care facility?

You pay nothing for covered services the first 20 days that you're in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). You pay a daily coinsurance for days 21-100, and you pay all costs beyond 100 days. Visit Medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get current amounts.

Does Medicare pay for nursing home care for the elderly?

The bottom line

Medicare will pay for nursing home costs on a very limited basis. Benefits only apply to short-term stays of 100 days or less following a qualifying hospitalization. Even then, patients often are responsible for out-of-pocket costs that quickly can add up to a significant unexpected expense.

Does Medicare Part C cover hospitalization?

Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by private companies approved by Medicare. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, the plan will provide all of your Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage.

How long will Medicare pay for home health care?

You can continue to receive home health care for as long as you qualify. However, your plan of care must be recertified every 60 days by your doctor. Your doctor may make changes to the hours you are receiving or other services, depending on whether the level of care you are receiving is still reasonable and necessary.

Which type of care is not covered by Medicare?

We don't cover these routine items and services: Routine or annual physical checkups (visit Medicare Wellness Visits to learn about exceptions). exams required by third parties, like insurance companies, businesses, or government agencies. Eye exams for prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Is it a good idea to get Medicare Part C?

Pros of Medicare Advantage Plans

You can get: All of your coverage bundled together in 1 convenient plan. Costs that may be lower than Original Medicare. Extra benefits such as coverage for vision, hearing, dental, wellness programs, and discounts on health-related items.

What is the maximum out-of-pocket for Medicare Part C?

Maximum out-of-pocket costs

Out-of-pocket costs (premiums, deductibles, and copayments) vary with each Medicare Advantage plan and can change every year. However, the maximum out-of-pocket spending limit is consistent for all plans. For 2025, the most you will spend out of pocket is $9,350.

What happens after 100 days in a nursing home?

Medicare covers up to 100 days of care in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) each benefit period. If you need more than 100 days of SNF care in a benefit period, you will need to pay out of pocket. If your care is ending because you are running out of days, the facility is not required to provide written notice.

Does Medicare Part C cover palliative care?

Medicare covers the cost of palliative care for people with serious or terminal conditions. Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans will cover the inpatient care, outpatient care, and mental health counseling that form palliative care services.

What does long-term care not cover?

Long-term care insurance typically doesn't cover care provided by family members. It also usually doesn't cover medical care costs⁠—those are typically covered by private health insurance and/or Medicare.

How do I get Medicare to pay for home care?

A doctor or other health care provider (like a nurse practitioner) must assess you face-to-face before certifying that you need home health services. A doctor or other health care provider must order your care, and a Medicare-certified home health agency must provide it.

Does Medicare pay for home health care for dementia?

Many people benefit from being at home during the early stages of dementia. Medicare will pay for up to 35 hours a week of home health care for people certified as “homebound.” Medicaid will pay for in-home care if, without that in-home care, the person would require care in a nursing home.

What does Medicare Part C pay for?

Medicare Advantage (MA), also called Medicare Part C, are private insurance plans offered by Medicare-approved companies. Medicare Advantage plans provide most of Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage and typically offer extra benefits such as vision, hearing and dental care.

What does Coverage C medical payments cover?

Coverage C: Medical Payments

It is included in the CGL policy and pays for all necessary and reasonable medical, surgical, ambulance, hospital, professional nursing and funeral expenses for a person injured or killed in an accident taking place at the insured's premises or arising from business operations.

What is the biggest drawback of long-term care insurance?

One of the biggest drawbacks of getting long-term care insurance is the risk of losing all the premiums you have paid over the years. If you end up not needing long-term care services, you won't be eligible for coverage. This means the money you've spent for coverage goes down the drain.

How much does Medicare pay for home health care per hour?

Medicare will cover 100% of the costs for medically necessary home health care, provided that care is “part time or intermittent.” The care needed must be less than 28 hours per week. The average cost of home health care in 2024 is $29.50 per hour, but it can vary greatly by state.

What happens to senior citizens when they run out of money?

There is help available for older adults who have run out of money, if you know where to look. The government has many programs that help with needs like healthcare, housing, food, and energy bills. Your local community offers hubs of information like libraries, city hall, and the parks district.